Global Scans · Design · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Design thinking will increasingly play a key role in improving systems and customer experiences. Companies will re-learn their approach to innovation and embrace human-centred design principles. Designers will begin to apply knowledge of human interaction, specifically in the area of how we earn trust and respect, to AI systems.

• [New] The European Commission plans to propose a new regulation next month that introduces goals for smart meter adoption and tax changes designed to promote clean energy. financialpost
• [New] With global biodiversity in crisis, and climate change threatening nearly every city in the world, designing cities with nature is critical to advance resilience, adaptation, and more livable urban environments. New York Botanical Garden
• [New] Disruptive Threats: Major potential disrupters include: breakthroughs in chip design (e.g. competition from Chinese fabs maturing, new U.S. startups), alternative computing architectures (HP memristors, photonic chips), and platform shifts (cloud vs edge computing). Risk Intelligence Service
• [New] 11 new models are planned globally through 2030, with nine allocated to North America, spanning a midsize and large van platform on the STLA Brain architecture with battery-electric, hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. Automotive World
• [New] A major concern is that an AI-designed pathogen could intentionally or unintentionally spark a global pandemic. Wired
• [New] The Renovation Wave aims to renovate 35 million buildings by 2030, at least doubling the annual rate of energy renovations in the EU. Energy
• [New] 65% of developers expect their role to be redefined in 2026, moving from routine coding toward architecture, integration, and AI-enabled decision-making. IP With Ease
• [New] In just 10 years, the generative AI design sector is forecast to grow 18 x its current size, from $741 million to $13.9 billion. Figma
• [New] Simultaneously investing in new public housing construction and renewal and repairs of existing buildings could bring $102 billion in economic and social value to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. Future of Good
• [New] By 2026, software leaders in Australia will differentiate not by whether they use AI, but by how effectively they design, govern, and scale AI-augmented engineering ecosystems across their portfolios. EVOKEHUB
• [New] The EU will take action against addictive design on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, including features like endless scrolling. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] The AU could be decisive in bringing the affected countries together into a joint framework and in capitalising on Benin's existing participation in the MNJTF to build a more coherent regional architecture. ISS Africa
• [New] The French River Harbour project will reconstruct wharves 404, 405, and 406, and slipway 501, with infrastructure designed using updated climate projections. Queen Street Analytics
• [New] The Tampere-based company wants to rebuild physics simulation as a data engine for AI-driven product design, targeting industries where faster modeling could shorten development cycles. / Finland Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] By 2026, boards that fail to rethink how agendas are designed risk spending their limited time on assurance rather than influence. Board Ready
• [New] The Air Force is investing heavily to keep the B-52 relevant through the 2050s - while simultaneously acknowledging that a platform first designed during the Cold War may not meet the full spectrum of future threat requirements on its own. TheDefenseWatch.com
• [New] The next phase, through PSD3 and the wider EU open finance agenda, could give Danish fintech firms more room to build services around data, identity, embedded finance and personalised financial management. The Fintech Times
• [New] Over 70% of new products will incorporate AI in their design processes by 2027, indicating widespread adoption. CADD Centre
• [New] New York now rivalled Paris as a center for fashion, and European jewelry houses could expect to sell to, as well as buy from, the Indian subcontinent. Victoria and Albert Museum
• [New] Passengers will now have access to new retail concepts not previously seen in France, alongside international luxury brands in categories including leather goods, fashion and perfumery. DFNI
• [New] 95% of event organizers expect their use of AI in events to increase in 2026 - primarily in analytics, communications, and agenda design. Martal Group

Last updated: 08 June 2026